Faith, family, friends and fellowship

Tuesday

Dec 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Karen Merchant reflects on what the holidays mean to her.

By Karen Merchant

Faith, family, friends and fellowship. That is what I think about during this time of the year. Every year when November rolls around I begin to think about my situation in life and why I am where I am and the people and circumstances that have helped get me here.

I think that everyone needs a "faith" of some kind. This can bea "faith" in a higher being which religion can give you. It can be a "faith" in a place that you are in in your life or the people that occupy that place with you.

As long as this "faith" helps you to face each day with hope. During this time of year my "faith" in Jesus Christ gives me hope for every day. I like to reflect on my "faith" and remember to give thanks for all of my blessings.

My "family" is important to me all of the days of the year but Iespecially like to remember them during this time of the year. I love to plan for the gift that will make them smile and know that I love them. We all know that "family" can have lots of definitions. It just important that we focus on our "family" and thank them for all that they do for us.

As I walk through my day to day life my "friends" are right there with me. I am very blessed with wonderful "friends" who support me in all that I do. I appreciate their constructive comments and their willingness to experience life as I do. At the time of the year I like to tell them how important they are to me and how much they add to my life.

"Fellowship" is the joining together of people for a like cause andcelebrating. At this time of year celebrating abounds. We gatherwith family and friends to rejoice over the past year and get ready to face the new year with hope. Humans need each other. We need to feel the contact of other humans to feel whole. Some people like lots of interaction, others just need a little but either way we need each other. This is the time of the year where we celebrate and embrace that need.

This is the time of the year to reflect, celebrate, and hope withour "family" and "friends." It is a time of year where "faith"and "fellowship" get us ready to face the new year.

Have a "faith" filled Holiday Season in "fellowship" with your "friends" and "family"

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KAREN MERCHANT retired in 2005 after 30 years as a teacher at Palo Community Schools. She now fills her time with volunteering for many organizations. Karen has been a member of the Ionia County Peace Community since its inception.